Inspiration in the Studio

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Carolinas Chapter held the Excellence in Design Awards Ceremony virtually this past week and we were excited to be in attendance (from afar!).

These awards highlight exceptional projects completed by ASID members and we are so grateful to have a few of our own selected!

Our Country Retreat project was awarded Honorable Mention in the Kitchen category.

We also won an Honorable Mention for our kitchen in the Designer House category for our Southern Living Inspired Home at The Bramble.

And….drumroll please….the main living space in our Charlotte Charm project won 1st Place for best Singular Space!

You may recognize this space from the HGTV Designer of the Year awards as well! We are still currently in the running to win the Color + Pattern category so don’t forget to cast your vote (we would be honored)! Voting ends September 29th.

We so appreciate being members of such a talented design community!

At the ASID Carolinas Spring Gala in Charlotte, we were honored to be in the company of some of the best designers in North and South Carolina. Taking home three awards was the icing on the cake of a fabulous weekend spent amidst fellow designers and friends. We wanted to take a moment to share the three homes that were recognized at the gala – we are thankful for the beautiful homes and the beautiful clients who allowed us to create these livably sophisticated spaces.

First Place, Singular Space

A large-scale renovation, this open kitchen / keeping room combination dramatically changed to create a space that feels welcoming and intimate, reflecting the homeowners’ entertaining and personal style. The outdoors-in aesthetic offers a peaceful place to rest and enjoy for the homeowners and guests. Featuring an eye-catching dining table in the center of the space, dinner party guests feel welcomed by the soft color palette of blues and hints of cool gray, warm wood finishes, elegant lighting, and comfortable upholstered seating. The homeowners’ original art also provides a stunning backdrop to bring the room together.

First Place, Vacation/Secondary Home

With a soothing color palette mirroring the home’s coastal surroundings, this calming retreat is idyllic for overlooking the ocean. The goal was to restore and showcase the home’s original history and integrity, yet create a retreat where serenity and relaxation was at the center. We incorporated furnishings that would remain durable to withstand beach vacations for many years to come, while bringing in details that told a subtle coastal story, altogether impactful. The main living space offers ample seating, exquisite views of the surrounding beach, and plenty of natural light pouring in to highlight the room’s sea-inspired color palette. The dining area is informal in feel, reflecting the personality of the rest of the home – carefree, airy, and laid back: the homeowners’ perfect idea of a vacation home.

Honorable Mention for Single Family Home 3500+ sq. ft.

Layered in soft neutrals and detailed textures, this home is a peaceful retreat grounded by a classic and clean design aesthetic. Seeking a relaxing space, yet one sophisticated and refined to match their taste, the homeowners wanted to incorporate beautiful architectural and design details alongside a neutral color palette. Incorporating the homeowners’ existing pieces along with new created an opportunity to transform the old when paired with new furnishings, giving each room a fresh story to tell. The homeowners were also open to paneling and wainscoting, showcasing the home’s arches and adding visual interest to walls that could be further uplifted. On the second floor, there was also an opportunity to incorporate hints of color in these more playful, personal spaces.

Last week, we escaped from the studio for a quick trip to Charlotte to attend the ASID Carolinas Awards Gala! It was an evening to celebrate. Together, Martha, Julia and I brought home Excellence in Design Awards for three of our projects! It’s always an honor to be recognized by peers and we were surrounded by the best in the Carolinas.

We were thrilled to visit with old friends like Tim Schelfe who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event. It was also great to make new friends like Marcia Blake with Sunbrella (who is a real cheerleader for designers).

We say it often and will say it again…we are so thankful for the opportunity to create beautiful homes and so thankful for clients who trust us to make it happen!

Several years ago I challenged myself to grow professionally.  As a longtime member of the American Society of Interior Designers, I decided it was time to become involved and try to make a difference.  One thing led to the next (as most of these volunteer positions do) and two years ago I found myself agreeing to serve on the ASID Carolinas Board of Directors. Since then I have been coordinating (8) local design communities throughout North and South Carolina.  It has been a rewarding experience….sometimes frustrating, sometimes challenging….but, in the process, I have made connections with designers, industry partners and students from across both states.

This past weekend we all met in High Point for Leadership Training.  My term expires next month and it’s time to pass the baton.

Leadership Training with Carole Gaskins, Lauren Ferderigos, Jesse Phipps, Angela Sutton

Since I’m constantly looking for a new challenge, I’m ready to set a new goal. It’s all about trying to make a difference in some small way. Thanks to all who choose to serve!

The past couple of weeks have been exciting! It started at the ASID Carolinas Fall Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. I was thrilled when I won Second Place in the 2011 ASID Excellence in Design Awards for a Singular Space.

Last night, Whitney Blair Custom Homes won the Diamond Award in the Brunswick County Parade of Homes for the same home!  A double award winning home for the homeowners, Jerry and Melodie!

It continues to amaze me how many people contribute to these projects. Jeff Sanderson and his team at Whitney Blair Custom Homes, Kirk Riffel with Creative Cabinetry and many other talented individuals. This is what happens when a team works together to combine individual elements like these….

to create a space like this….

{Photo by Chris Campbell}

Once again, it’s the details in every design that make the difference. We try every day to bring the vision of our clients to reality….and this gives us motivation to keep working on the details!